…when the peal of this bell resounds in the clouds
may a legion of angels stand watch over the assembly of your Church,
the first-fruits of the faithful, and afford your ever abiding protection to them in body and spirit.
-from the Blessing of Bells
Earlier this year, Fr. Jim announced to the parish that we would be undertaking an important project this summer at St. Paul.
As you know, the St. Paul bell, installed in 1926, has been silent for many years. This is partly because the bell’s ringing mechanism is no longer functioning. However, the more important issue is that the wood framing for the 3,000lb bell is failing and in urgent need of replacement. In addition, the bell tower’s masonry and parapet also require significant repair. As Fr. Jim explained, these are critical issues of safety and stability, and this work cannot be put off.
The Archdiocese has approved the project, and we have engaged an experienced masonry firm to manage the work. Scaffolding will be erected this week and work will begin shortly thereafter. The work on the bell tower and the replacement of the bell’s framing is scheduled to be complete by the end of November 2022. Once the structural work is finished, the final step will be to restore the bell’s ringing mechanism so that the peal of our wonderful bell may once again resound in the clouds!
This is a large undertaking, and represents a significant investment in St. Paul Parish. The total cost is budgeted to be $487,200, and the Parish has been approved for a short term loan from the Archdiocese to cover up to seventy-five percent of the budget. While we are fortunate to have additional income from the leasing of the school building, we still need the assistance of the St. Paul community to fund this project and to repay the loan.
On behalf of Fr. Jim and Fr. Hehir, we are asking you for your help. St. Paul parishioners have a long history of giving generously to support our parish. Please take a moment to prayerfully reflect on how you can contribute. To give now, simply click the link below:
ST. PAUL BELL TOWER FUND – GIVE TODAY!
Donations may also be made on our website or by using the reply envelope that was mailed to all registered St. Paul parishioners. (Additional envelopes can be found in the back of both churches.)
We know you join us in looking forward to the day we can all gather together to proudly ring the bell at St. Paul Church once again!
The St. Paul Parish Finance Council
Jim Drury, Chair John Cullinane David Foley Harold Foley Susan Looney